GoldenEye 64 re-release is unlikely

Rare, the Microsoft-owned studio behind one of the best licensed games ever made, has said that the chances of GoldenEye 64 getting a re-release on modern consoles is now very, very slim.

Rumours of a deal between Microsoft and Nintendo and Rare started doing the rounds a while back, but have now been quashed in full. Both Nintendo and Microsoft had wanted to re-release the classic James Bond game, GoldenEye 64, for their consoles, but the issue was complicated by the fact that both console manufacturers held a stake in the license and neither wanted to relinquish it to their rival.

Released in 1997 on the Nintendo 64 by a then-independent Rare Studios, GoldenEye 64 is still a much-loved classic and Rare's proven success with console FPS games was probably a big factor in Microsoft's decision to buy the studio.

Addressing a reader question for Nintendo Everything though, a Rare spokesperson confirmed that the deal had pretty much fallen apart.

"That was some time ago, my friend. Fate was against us that day," he said. "Destiny conspired to raise the hurdles even as we attempted to clear them, resulting in unpleasant groinal injury. I suspect we're long past the stage where an agreement was on the cards, but you never know. Stranger things have happened… somewhere … probably."

It's a shame - there's a whole generation of people out there who haven't played GoldenEye 64. Let us know your thoughts in the forums.